7 Easy Ways to Feel Confident in your photos
Posing for formal wedding day photos is a lot harder than posing for an iPhone photo. From candid shots to group photos to formal portraits and everything in between, your wedding photos make up the largest chunk of time you will be spending on your big day. I would say that 75% of our couples do not feel comfortable in front of the camera and it’s totally normal to feel the pre-photoshoot jitters. Here are 7 tips to ensure you feel confident and your best on the wedding day.
1. Hire a Pro You Trust
It is important to find a professional photography company that you can trust. I would suggest interviewing at least 3 photography companies that fit your style and budget. During the interview process make sure that you are getting all of your questions answered and that your personalities mesh. Making sure that the photographer is experienced and has previously shot at your venue is extremely important. Ask for past galleries from your venue and be sure to check online reviews. Knowing that you can trust the company you hire can give you an extra boost of confidence on the wedding day.
2. Engagement Photos Are A MUST!
Just like you would schedule a beauty trial with your hair and makeup artist, it is just as important to have a trial engagement session with your photographer. This is a great way to get some practice in from of the camera while also learning how to pose as a couple.
3. Cushion Your Timeline
Cushioning your timeline is a key way ensure you feel relaxed and confident on your big day. After all, feeling rushed may impact your confidence throughout your photo session. Give yourself an extra 5-15 minutes in between events to allow yourself time to breath, take a break or to chat with a wedding guest. Placing small cushions can also come in handy if your timeline has gone array and you need to push everything back. Always plan for worse case scenario and you will always feel relaxed and confident. One way to allow for more portrait time is to considera first look before the ceremony. This will allow you to double your bridal portrait time all while ensuring that your most important photos are done first while your hair and makeup is fresh.
4. Prepare a Small Shot List
Our photographers will always get all of the standard wedding photographs, but it definitely helps to know if there are any photo requests that are out of the ordinary. Favorite venue locations, specific extended family shots, even photos you would like us to avoid. A minimum shot list is one of the best ways to maximize our time together on the wedding day.
5. Communicate With Your Photographer
Don't hesitate to tell your photographer what you want, or if you're not feeling what they're doing. One way to eliminate any insecurities is to let your photographer know in advance what you like or don’t like in photos. Do you have a favorite side of your face? Are you insecure about your arms? Do you not like profile photos? These are all things that a photographer like to know so that they can avoid taking photos you will not like.
6. Don’t Over-Think Your Photos
It’s important to avoid over-practicing before your wedding day. It may seem like practicing your poses is the best way to boost your confidence, but it can actually cause you to not relax and be in the moment. An experienced photographer knows how to pose you in a flattering way all while capturing your true personalities.
7. Movement is Key!
We specialize in the art of being candidly posed. We do this by first ensuring that you are standing in a way that is flattering all while giving you an open ended directive that allows you to move, laugh and be playful. Even simple movements like walking, twirling or putting your arms around each other will result in genuine reaction that will result in the best photos.